Pray or Be Prey

Chapter 9

She must have figured out a way. Basielle was never a good sport at losing anything. The life she had before the waters destroyed the earth was definitely one she had planned to hold onto for a very long time. Flashes of the water's current snatching her away from the cave and him forever didn't help the emotions Ayularc was fighting to control stay at bay. Her kiss and smile, the scent of her hair, all taunted him as the realization that his wife or remnants of her were coursing their way through the body of the woman upstairs.

Focus and get a grip! Something obviously didn't go as Basielle planned because Mirah was, for the most part, in control of her body and not Basielle. It seems when Mirah is asleep when her subconscious mind is active, only then can Basielle have a measure of control. The best thing to do is question Mirah to see just how much she remembers from her dreams and if, during her woke moments, she experiences lost time or unexplained memories.

Should I tell my father what I've discovered? Hmmm, best I get more information and formulate a strategy of when I have to tell Lu that I'm the weak link. But if Basielle found a way to connect with Mirah, there may still be a chance that The Fathers can help her—all of her.

Ayularc remained motionless for a few minutes longer, staring out of the massive wall of windows onto the bay. His mind was running through several scenarios of how best to make his next move. It was near pointless to try and strategize against Lu; he was a mastermind like none other. But Ayularc had many occasions to learn from some of the best. Nephilim children grow quickly and have heightened senses shortly after birth. During the years he trained under the ever-watchful eye of his father, Ayularc had gleaned everything from the other Fathers who tutored in him all the things he'd need to know to survive Earth, his forever home.

Yes, that's it! I will help Basielle live again. She went through all of this trouble to merge with a human outside of Lu and our Fathers' approval, something I'm sure they will want to be made aware of. Her desperation, no doubt, caused the sloppy union which has left her operating as a shell of her former self. To regain Basielle her former glory, would be a great victory for our kind and, for certain, gain me the grace I'll need with Lu to be pardoned the agony of separating from this flesh suit. "Yes, I will help you, my beloved, but in return, you will owe me a debt I intend to collect," Ayularc said softly, as if not wanting anyone else to hear, then he made his way back towards the staircase.

Mirah was leaning back in her chair, water glass in hand, as she finished chewing her food. She quickly washed the remnants down with the cool liquid, dabbing the corners of her mouth with her dinner napkin before flashing Ayularc a half warm smile. Ayularc thought she was taking being in his presence pretty well. No signs of fainting, and her hands didn't shake nearly as much as he'd imagined they would. Ahh, but I'm sure she's been praying inwardly since she arrived, and I have no plans to test my assumptions by coming into physical contact with her either. The fire in her eyes confirms all I need to know.

"Full?"

"Quite, thanks. How about yourself, you haven't eaten much, or don't you eat—cooked food that is?"

Ayularc let out a laugh. It was no longer something he did much of, but it felt good. As spiritually frightening as she was, Mirah somehow liberated him. Probably because she had no idea how hard Nephilim try to control their humanity, something she lets freely control her. She had no idea of the rules that governed his world, no measuring stick to know when he was out of character. She was intoxicating, and he was sure that Basielle realized this too.

"I am satisfied for now, and yes, I do eat food, cooked and otherwise. Come, there is much we need to discuss, even though I find delight in watching the many facial expressions of pleasure you have while eating, that was not the reason I invited you here tonight."